In the Bhagavad-gita (18.46), Krishna urges Arjuna to worship the Lord through his work. What does this mean? For work to be worship, it needs to be done with certain values: the values of dutifulness, detachment and devotion.
When we cultivate dutifulness, we see our work as our due part in maintaining social order (loka-sangraha). For example, kshatriyas like Arjuna contribute by protecting people from wrongdoers. If kshatriyas themselves become wrongdoers — as did Duryodhana — their work is not worship. That’s why the common translation of this Gita verse as ‘work is worship’ is a mistranslation.
When we cultivate detachment, does that mean we don’t care for the results of our work? No, it means we understand that results depend on factors beyond our role, and we gracefully accept whatever results come by divine arrangement. Without such detachment, our heart becomes locked to the results — indeed, those results may be said to become our object of worship. With detachment, our heart becomes open to bigger realities: for example, the lessons the Lord wants to teach us and ultimately the divine love he wants to share with us.
When we cultivate devotion, we see our work as a means to please the Lord. And what pleases him the most? Not results, but endeavors. In the earnestness of our endeavors, he sees our eagerness to offer our heart to him — and our heart is what he actually wants. By such work, our heart becomes increasingly attracted to him, and we realize that he is far more valuable than any worldly result of our work — he is life’s ultimate treasure.
In the Gita’s battlefield context, Krishna’s guidance helps Arjuna infuse his fighting with dutifulness, detachment and devotion, thus transforming his work into worship.
One-sentence summary:
Work is not automatically worship; when work is done with the values of dutifulness, detachment and devotion, it becomes a form of worship.
Think it over:
- Does Krishna teach that work is worship? Explain with an example.
- When does work become worship?
- Why is detachment necessary for work to become worship?
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18.46: By worship of the Lord, who is the source of all beings and who is all-pervading, a man can attain perfection through performing his own work.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
Enlightening explanation of work as worship rather than work is worship, and the elements of duty, detachment and devotion as enablers of it. Thanks!
Yes, work as worship is a key teaching of the Gita.
The qualities of dutifulness, detachment and devotion echo with the essential aspect of karma, jnana and bhakti yoga. You have very expertly brought out this point that at each step of the yoga ladder, Krishna is urging Arjuna to follow his dharma.
I also like that work imbued with above three d’s can be offered as worship to Krishna, and not every or any work that one may do. Duryodhana’s work is not suitable for offering.
Good point about Duryodhana’s work – thanks.